Springfield Fire Department reminds public to be safe this Independence Day

As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the Springfield Fire Department has some reminders for the community.

Fireworks are prohibited in the city limits of Springfield. That includes the possession, manufacture, storage, sales, handling and discharge of fireworks within city limits.

Novelty items, however, are allowed. That includes things described as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices or glowworms, and some sparklers. But, the department says, they should be used with extreme care and under adult supervision.

“Sparklers burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries around Fourth of July,” said David Pennington, SFD chief. “Children should be educated on how to avoid injury from sparklers and well-supervised by an adult during their use.”

According to the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, there were 485 emergency room visits related to fireworks in 2020. Of those 485 visits, 35 people were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries. Nearly 88 percent of all fireworks injuries occured in the two-week period leading up to and following the Fourth of July. Approximately half of these injuries were burns and the most common injuries were to hands and fingers.

“A safe and fun way to celebrate Independence Day is to attend one of the many community displays in and around the city,” Pennington said. “These displays are presented by professionals who have obtained the required permit and safety inspection by the Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure the safety of the public.”